Investigating how air pollution affects Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Air Pollution and Alzheimer's Dementia: Neuropathologic and Olfactory Mechanisms in Multi-Ethnic Longitudinal Cohorts

NIH-funded research Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10769882

This study is looking at how air pollution might be connected to Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how the air we breathe could affect brain health as we age.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10769882 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the potential link between air pollution and the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It aims to understand how exposure to air pollutants may influence neurocognitive aging through systematic evaluations of cognitive function and dementia in participants over time. The study will include detailed postmortem assessments of brain pathology and the olfactory system, which may serve as a pathway for environmental toxins to impact brain health. By utilizing data from diverse longitudinal cohorts, the research seeks to fill gaps in knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which air pollution affects dementia.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those living in areas with high levels of air pollution.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have concerns related to cognitive decline or dementia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease related to environmental factors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential links between environmental factors and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.